It seems a bit unlikely that a show like American Idol would make me weep over Africa. But, yes, it's true. Tonight, the folks from American Idol were part of a fundraising campaign to help ease the suffering of children around the world, especially in America and Africa. Their travels took them to places like Kibera, Kenya where people live in unimaginable poverty and suffering. As I looked at the faces of these beautiful people, my heart ached. So many precious people, each made in the image of God. How His heart must break to look upon their brokenness.
Isn't it ironic that a show with the name "American Idol" would feature such stories of pain? In the face of AIDS, malaria, child soldiers and forced prostitution, we in America are still comfortable. We still have our idols of fame and wealth and prosperity, and we're unable to see that the blood of Africa and countless others is dripping from our hands.
James had much to say about such inaction. "Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, 'Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?" For, "religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world" (James 2:15, 16; 1:27).
The Western world is often equated with Christianity. Yet, what kind of faith is this? In the End, will our country of "faith" be counted among the faithful, or will we be among those destined for damnation? "For I was hungry and you gave Me nothing to eat. I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink. I was a stranger and you did not invite Me in. I needed clothes and you did not clothe Me. I was sick and in prison and you did not look after Me.... I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me" (Matthew 25:42, 43, 45).
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
I saw the same kids sing with Josh Groban on Ellen. I cried too. I was thinking that while I can't necessarily impact the situation in Africa, at least not with my presence, there are plenty of suffering children here within my own community. I can tangibly impact them. I guess the question is, will I?
We here in this country may feel powerless, but I just received a wonderful letter from World Vision about their programs in Africa. One of these is that for $90, an African family will be blessed with a cow. This means that they not only have milk for the children, but perhaps milk to sell and in time, calves from the cow. For $90, we can give a whole family a new life. Think about it!!!!!!! Do more than think about it. If $90 seems a lot, get a friend or group of friends to go in with you, you'll be glad you did.
Post a Comment